The opponent’s view: Biggest game yet at Oregon’s Matt Court

(Here is a story from Gary Horowitz of the Salem (Ore.) Statesman Journal, one of our Gannett partners. For coverage of the Arizona’s opponent this week, check out the Statesman Journal’s Sports page.)

By Gary Horowitz
Statesman Journal

EUGENE — Oregon guard Johnathan Loyd called today’s matchup against No. 4 Arizona the biggest game yet at Matthew Knight Arena, which opened two years ago.

He might be to something.

Arizona is the highest-ranked team to visit Matt Court, and a victory by the Ducks likely would push them into the Top 25.

“Being able to give them their first loss, that would be great,” Loyd said.

“Johnny doesn’t know what he’s talking about,” Altman said with a smile. “I talk about our team being so quiet, Johnny’s the one guy who talks. But he doesn’t always say the right things.”

Altman can talk all he wants about how the Arizona game is “no bigger than the other eight conference games at home,” but it represents a barometer game for the Ducks.

When it comes to selecting teams for the NCAA tournament, these are the kind of games that are resume builders.

“It’s gonna be a really good opportunity,” said senior forward Arsalan Kazemi, a transfer from Rice who leads the Ducks in rebounding. “Obviously, they’re ranked fourth now. If we beat them it’s gonna give us a very good chance to be ranked.”

It won’t be easy.

Arizona is a veteran team with senior leadership at the point in Mark Lyons (14.1 ppg), a transfer from Xavier who was part of three Sweet 16 teams. The Wildcats have defeated two ranked teams – then-No. 5 Florida and then-No. 17 San Diego State – and managed to prevail in several close games.